2 Samuel 9:1
“And David said, Is there yet any that is left of the house of Saul, that I may shew him kindness for Jonathan's sake?”
David may be the most thoughtful person mentioned in the Scriptures. What is amazing about David is that his thoughtfulness process went from God to friends and family, and then outside influences. He understood the importance of remembering those influences who helped him get to where he was. He never acquired the mentality that he did everything himself. He truly understood that there were influences in his life who helped him to climb the corporate ladder.
Every person should regularly take the time to remember those influences who helped them get to where they are in life. Some people influenced you who wonder what their efforts in life accomplished. You could make someone’s day if you took the time to remember those influences which took the time to influence you when you were a nobody. There are several observations that we can learn from David’s life about remembering influences.
First, you will never be grateful for the influences of people if you are not grateful for God’s influence in your life. It is interesting that David honored his Divine influence before honoring human influences. David wanted to build a temple for God because he felt indebted to God for what He had done for him. You will never honor human influences properly if you don't remember God’s influence.
Second, remembering and honoring influences is never convenient. It wasn't easy for David to honor Jonathan because he was dead; however, David didn't allow the inconvenience to stop him from remembering and honoring those who helped him in life. It may be an inconvenience to remember those who influenced your life, but remember that they were inconvenienced when they took the time to help you. Never let an inconvenience keep you from remembering and honoring your influences.
Third, it will take time and effort to remember influences. David had to make the effort to find someone who he could be kind to for Jonathan’s sake. Likewise, you are going to have to put time and effort into finding those who have influenced you. Don't let your lack of time hinder you from putting the effort into remembering and honoring them. You will never regret taking time and putting the effort into honoring those who influenced you.
Fourth, it is a choice you must purposely make. David said, “I will…”This was a deliberate choice that he made. You have to choose consciously to remember and honor those people who influenced you; it won’t happen by mistake. Put it in your schedule to remember someone who influenced you. Don't be so selfish and self-centered that you won't purposely remember those who had a part in helping you succeed in life.
Friend, those who influenced you may not be what they are supposed to be today, but they were an influence in your life, and you owe a debt to them for what they instilled in you. Let me encourage you to think of someone today who influenced you, and do what you can to honor them. Start with honoring God, family, and friends. Afterward, go to those outside influences and honor them. You will never regret it.